Prof Joshua Olaoye, National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE)
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE), Prof Joshua Olaoye, says the body is committed to driving Nigeria’s agricultural transformation through mechanisation and home-grown technologies that can strengthen food security and create jobs.
Speaking on November 18 at the opening of the Institution’s 25th International Conference and 45th AGM at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Idofian, Kwara State, Prof Olaoye said the organisation’s work is focused on turning research into practical tools for smallholder farmers.
He highlighted the maiden National Agricultural Machinery Exhibition, held in partnership with NCAM, as a platform showcasing locally developed tractors, planters, threshers and other equipment aimed at reducing drudgery and improving productivity.
Prof Olaoye said the Institution would continue to push for stronger partnerships between researchers, government and the private sector, alongside training for young engineers and support for policies that encourage local fabrication of machinery.
Representing the University of Ilorin’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Muhtar Etudaiye, said academia, industry and government must work together to advance agricultural technology.
The Minister of Agriculture, Sen Abubakar Kyari, announced that the Federal Government would establish Mechanisation Service Centres in all six geopolitical zones to support training and equipment maintenance. Governors from Borno and Kwara also backed efforts to expand mechanisation and promote local innovations.
